An old saying says that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. It implies that if your dog is in pain, they may be unwilling to learn new tricks. It may be the result of a joint diseased called “osteoarthritis”. According To Statistics, one in four dogs in the United States suffers from some form of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage slowly breaks down. It leads to swelling, pain and decreased range of motion! Although osteoarthritis is irreversible and incurable, appropriate treatment will help manage the joint pain and improve your dog’s quality of life. Just as the American College of Veterinary Surgeons says, “many dogs can live comfortably for years following a diagnosis”.
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What Dogs Are Most at Risk?
As the American Kennel Club(AKC) Canine Health Foundation reports, large and giant breeds, obese dogs, senior dogs, and the injured dogs, dogs of congenital diseases such as hip or dysplasia are prone to develop osteoarthritis. Meanwhile, some competitive sporting and working dogs can affect joint cartilage and risks for arthritis.
What Are The Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis?
The symptoms of osteoarthritis is subtle and easy to ignore. Some dogs may show signs of arthritis when they are 1 year old, however, about 80% of dogs won’t display symptoms until they are more than 7 years old. According to Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC’s chief veterinary officer, the main symptoms of osteoarthritis would be:
- Stiffness on the morning
- Reluctance to walk up stairs, jump to bed or get around to play
- Loss of appetite
- Sleepiness
- Irritable when touched or petted
- Muscle Atrophy
- Difficult to urinating
In case you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the veterinarian for a full checkup. The veterinarian will provide you with professional help and advice.
Treatments for Osteoarthritis in Dogs
Once being diagnosed with osteoarthritis, your veterinarian will suggest a specific plan based on your dog’s age and the severity of the disease to manage the condition and relive pain. For dogs that may be predisposed to arthritis, vets may recommend prevention treatment at an early age. Just the same as humans, combination of different therapies is applied simultaneously to manage the condition. It includes joint supplements, weight management, excise level adjustment, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, massage and acupuncture, and surgery.
Joint supplements are regarded as one of the most common long-term, safe treatments. They are usually recommended to help reduce inflammation and pain, improve mobility and slow the progression of joint damage and arthritis. The most common types of joint supplements would be glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as green lipped mussel (GLM).
Glucosamine
As a naturally occurring compound, glucosamine is commonly used to ease pain and soothe the muscle by decreasing inflammation in the arthritis joint, promoting healing of damaged cartilage. Proven to be safe for long-term use, a joint supplement containing glucosamine would be helpful as an early intervention for dogs predisposed to osteoarthritis and also a proper treatment for dogs suffering from progressive joint disease.
Chondroitin
Widely used in conjunction with glucosamine for stimulating cartilage repair, relieve pain and improve mobilit, chondroitin sulfate is another natural substance. It can be obtained from many sources, such as fish, pigs, birds, sharks and pigs.
Green Lipped Mussel (GLM)
GLM is another proven joint supplement ingredient for humans and dogs. It contains beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These nutrients have natural anti-inflammatory and joint –protecting properties. Studies show that a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin can help ease pain and manage joint function.
What To Look For When Choose Joint Supplement?
When you prepare to choose a joint supplement for your dog that contains the joint health building blocks of glucosamine, chondroitin, and GLM, pay attention to the following points:
1. Ingredients
Scientifically proven to be effective in relieving pain and maintaining healthy joints, Glyde Mobility Chews contain naturally sourced quality, gluten-free ingredients; no artificial flavors, preservatives.
2. Manufacturing and product requirements
To the highest pharmaceutical quality standards, Glyde is manufactured in their own FDA accredited pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Sydney, Australia. Glyde’s ingredients are combined with a cold-formation process that preserves the natural benefits and efficacy of the ingredients.
3. Dosage
Abandoning dosing by the traditionally narrow bands, Glyde Mobility Chews meet each dog’s specific need by providing the correct amount of nutrients in every single day! The chews’ heart-shaped size makes it easier to cut or break in two.
4. Taste and smell
Glyde chews taste and smell like a treat, which makes it easier for your dog to take daily dose.
Other Treatments for Dogs with Arthritis
Easy and effective, heat therapy can bring your happy dog back and ease pain associated with surgery, injury, exercise and dog arthritis. PetieTec has heat therapy products for dog’s pain relief, which is natural and safe with no side effects.
It’s an ongoing, daily commitment to protect your dog’s joint with the appropriate supplements. Glyde Mobility Chews can help improve the quality of your dog’s life and may even allow you to teach your old dog some new tricks!
Photo Credits: The Kennel Club | Old Farm Vet | Dog’s Best Life
